Life stage transitions are any life changes that lead you to a new stage. We experience these stages throughout our lives right from the time we are born. 

Some are outside of our control, particularly as children where moving home or school is a decision made by our parents or carers. Others are ones we make ourselves such as choosing a career path and moving out of our childhood home. 

Some of these transitions are less daunting than others but all come with the possibility to impact significantly on your health and well-being.

Examples of life transitions can include obvious changes such as the transition from high school to university or starting a new job or less known ones such as adapting to illness. Becoming a parent is an example of a life stage transition as is moving out and learning to live with others or on our own. 

Life transitions can be exciting, scary, exhilarating and more. There are transitions that come naturally as we grow and gain our independence from childhood and others that are thrust upon us with little option but to find a way forward – such as in the case of illness or disability. 

There is a vast spectrum of life stage changes and every human being will experience these stages differently and we will not always experience the same ones. For those with disabilities, these challenges can be even more pronounced and harder to manage without support.

Some life stages are predictable such as graduating from school or university and preparing for your first child. Others may occur suddenly such as an accidental injury or life-altering medical diagnosis. 

If you are aware of an impending transition, there are ways in which you can prepare for this transition. Being proactive in this way can help to minimise or eliminate some of the stressors associated with navigating this shift. 

One of the most effective ways to prepare for a life transition is to discuss it and focus on understanding the change and why it is going to occur. As an NDIS recipient, preparing for the change may also involve aspects such as:

• Learning about a new area in advance of a move
• Setting up new support arrangements and coordinating appropriate care
• Seeking assistance with individual skill development, decision making and peer support

The NDIS recognises the unique needs and challenges faced by those receiving NDIS benefits and as a result, offers targeted support around life transition planning.

For instance, for someone pursuing independent living, this includes Establishing volunteer assistance within the participant’s home or community to develop skills. This can mean finding assistance in attending appointments, shopping, bill paying, taking part in social activities and maintaining contact with others.

Support can be short or long-term with a view to teaching participants how to navigate ongoing change and plan for it.